Workbench Evolution

I started woodworking about 5 years ago, and have slowly grown my collection of tools and knowledge. My workbench area is without a doubt the most valuable equipment I own.

The first photo is my first “workspace”, I found some plans in an old magazine and really liked the ability to tuck away my table saw. I incorporated a reccess for the miter saw, and the flap on the right end is for a router. This version lasted for about 6 months, and then it was time to expand (plus the bench was getting in the way of my wife parking in the garage!).

The second and third pictures show my “reassessment” of available space. Mobility is the key criteria I had in mind. I built the cabinets on both sides of the garage for storage, and can now fit both cars inside our 1954 garage. I based my workbench design off of several traditional plans. I wanted to be able to “break” the thing down should we ever move (seriously, it weighs like 300lbs), so it’s put together using half-laps and 4 inch bolts with threaded inserts. I’ve recently added a few drawers to the front, and a bench vise on the back. One feature I do like is the t-track in the bench, I’ve found it to be very handy. I spent about $130 for all the material in the bench.

After spending the last 4 weeks building/setting up my shop I am almost ready to reveal to the world. My last major project is my central work bench. I have the top sorted but still deciding on the base structure. I hope it looks and works as least as good as your!

-- The wood slayer - Yes dear I did plan to make more kindling out of that wood I have been drying for the last year - honest!

i actually like version one…but its great that you are learning and growing—-so i have a chance?? haha…one of my goals is to rip everything out of my one car garage this summer and make it a functional and dedicated woodworking space…so these are all great ideas…

nice bench. interesting support design – on the horizontal frame members why did you do it that way? to clarify: in the 3rd pic, the long side facing the camera has its horizontal support on the bottom, whereas the side facing away from the camera has its support further up.

I like to sit on a stool when I’m laying out or designing stuff, so the horizontal support on the bottom serves as my foot rest (I know, you can’t believe I’d actually design it with a foot rest). I think it would’ve been fine had I moved it up even with the other one. The clamps work better then bench dogs in my opinion. If I want them to behave like a bench dog, I just clamp a piece of oak across the table with the hold-downs. The t-track gives me a simple, no hassle solution to hold work pieces or equipment (jointer, planer, etc…) on the workbench.

Napaman: I should probably have added upper cabinets to make for more storage, plus my cabinets have shelves which limits me to how much I can store (pile) in them. Maybe this summer I’ll expand on my workshop!

Bhack: I haven’t forgotten about you I promise! I take my GRE on Tuesday, and I’m working on making a sketch up file of this workbench. You will be the first person I send it to I promise!

Thank you, I’ve been studying about my rear of for the last 2 months (got to love having a slow job!). AaronK, I just looked at your profile. Are you attending West Virginia University? If so, thanks for the football coach you gave us…would you like him back? This season was painful!!!!

I too, am finishing up my shop and loved the idea of the t-track. Can you get them wide and deep enough to double as a miter gauge track….because I could also see where this would second as a mack-daddy outfeed table!